The board approved a $270,000 budget augmentation to replace a fire-damaged trouble truck and authorized an M-S-R coordinator services agreement. Staff reported Don Pedro Reservoir at about 73% of capacity and reviewed $10.1 million in 2027 budget savings from earlier approvals. Draft groundwater plan sections are open for comment, with submission planned before the end of January. MID also announced plans to offer scholarships through the VOLT Institute.
Board members backed a possible October 30 irrigation-season end date, subject to staff’s determination; Don Pedro Reservoir was at 75% capacity. The board adopted the Local Hazard Mitigation Plan. Its draft was approved in September, but grant eligibility awaits final-plan approval. After closed session, the board reported a unanimous direction to staff to reject the claim by Farmland LLC and Paramont Homes, Inc.
The Board adopted a balanced 2027 budget of about $599.8M in expenditures against $602.6M in projected revenues, with no planned rate increase and expenses down 5%. Staff reviewed the large-load study process (including data centers), emphasizing customer-funded upgrades and potential collateral/commitments. Don Pedro is about 93% full; October pulse flows are planned.
Staff reported a balanced 2027 budget requiring no rate increase and highlighted a bond refunding projected to save ratepayers over $7.7 million (NPV). Transmission & Distribution capital of $33.7 million was presented (down $1.9 million), with ~1,200 new meter sets forecast. Power supply costs were lower: purchase power down ~1% and fuel down ~21% vs. 2026.
Groundwater use management and well mitigation programs are moving toward January 2027 implementation, with each management area developing action plans to meet allocation criteria. Don Pedro Reservoir sits at 93% capacity, though end-of-season projections are roughly 10 feet lower than last year. A new development fee schedule is being introduced to shift engineering and administrative costs from irrigation ratepayers to urban development projects, with a public hearing in late August.
